Johannesburg Faces Power Cut Threat as Eskom Demands R5.2 Billion Debt Payment
Johannesburg, South Africa – Eskom has issued an ultimatum to the City of Johannesburg, demanding payment of a staggering R5.2 billion debt by 8 July or facing severe electricity disruptions. The threat puts key areas—including Sandton, Soweto, and Fourways—at risk of losing power if the city fails to settle its arrears.
Eskom’s Deadline Looms Over Johannesburg
Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned power utility, has warned that it will cut bulk electricity supply to Johannesburg unless the city pays its overdue bill. An additional R1.58 billion is due by 5 June 2026, compounding financial pressure on the struggling municipality.
Despite Mayor Dada Morero’s assurances that Johannesburg remains financially stable, Eskom claims the city has repeatedly defaulted on payments. The utility stated it has engaged with Johannesburg for over two years to resolve the debt, but patience has now run out.
Dark Streets and Financial Woes
Parts of Johannesburg are already experiencing streetlight blackouts due to a separate R4 million debt owed to Eskom. The utility accuses the city of collecting electricity payments from residents without remitting funds to Eskom—a breach of their agreement.
Eskom has sent formal notices indicating plans to disconnect major supply points, which could plunge business hubs and residential areas into darkness.
Mayor Seeks Ministerial Intervention
Facing an impending crisis, Mayor Morero has appealed to Electricity Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa to intervene and prevent Eskom’s threatened cuts. However, the city has yet to issue an official response to Eskom’s latest warning.
Additional Financial Pressures Mount
Johannesburg’s troubles extend beyond Eskom:
- French lenders have refused further loans, tightening the city’s financial constraints.
- Credit agency Moody’s has placed Johannesburg under review for a downgrade, signaling eroding investor confidence.
- Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has urged the city to cancel a wage increase agreement with municipal unions, citing unaffordability.
Will History Repeat Itself?
In a previous standoff, Eskom’s threat was averted through court intervention and national government assistance. Whether such a resolution is possible this time remains uncertain.
For now, Johannesburg residents and businesses brace for potential outages as the 8 July deadline approaches.
— Reported by Nexio News
